Recommended Related to Diabetes

Nerve pain caused by diabetes, called diabetic peripheral neuropathy, can be severe, constant, and difficult to treat. It may start as a tingling sensation, followed by numbness and pain. But there are two key points that everyone with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy should know:
Controlling your blood sugar levels can help prevent worsening nerve pain and improve your overall health at the same time.
Medications can help relieve nerve pain, make you more comfortable, and improve your...

Get a flu shot every year. It can prevent many types of flu or keep flu viruses from making you so ill. September may be the best month to get this vaccine, because it protects you for about 6 months. But you can get a flu shot any time during flu season.

Also, ask your doctor if you need the pneumonia shot. This vaccine can also help protect you from blood infections and meningitis.

What You Should Know About Cold and Flu Medicines

The main problem for people with diabetes is that some cold and flu drugs, such as cough syrups, may have sugar in them. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend over-the-counter drugs that are safe for you. Keep those product names handy for future reference.

Make a Sick-Day Plan

Everyone gets a cold or flu sometime. Your doctor, nurse, or diabetes educator can help you prepare. They'll probably recommend that you do the following:

Check your blood sugar levels every 4 hours, or as often as recommended by your doctor.

Test for ketones if your blood sugar level is over 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Call your doctor if it shows any ketones.

Take your temperature regularly.

Drink one cup of liquid every hour you're awake. Water and broth are good choices.

What type of diabetes do you have?

Your gender:

Answer:

Low0-69

Normal70-130

High131+

Your level is currently

If the level is below 70 or you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Thank you for signing up for the WebMD Diabetes Newsletter!

You'll find tips and tricks as well as the latest news and research on Diabetes.

Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?

Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.